Difference Between Estradiol & Estrogen

Estradiol or estrogen: a woman's choice

Hormone therapy with estrogen is used for women who have gone through a hysterectomy at an early age, and for some women who choose to use it at menopause. There are several differences between estrogen and one of its variations called estradiol.

Naturally Occurring

Estradiol is a naturally occurring hormone in the female body, produced in the ovaries. It is one of three forms of estrogen the body makes, while the other two are estrone and estriol, says the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education.

Bio-identical

In labs, estrogen is made in certain forms from plant materials to take the place of bodily estrogen in a natural way. Estradiol is one that can be made as a bio-identical hormone, in transdermal patches, skin gels, or pills.

Synthetic

There are other forms of estrogen that are actually made synthetically. Some of these are: Estinyl, Estrovis, Ortho-Dinestrol, and Tace as shown on a table at Premarin.org. These include forms of synthetic estradiol and other estrogens as well.

Menopause

Estradiol is found in higher concentrations in the body than any other estrogen before menopause. After menopause, estrone, another estrogen, takes center stage unless hormone therapy is started.

Humane

Some estrogens are made using horse urine. The living conditions of these horses can be inhumane, considering that the horses are strapped in the back and tied in the front, watered as little as possible, and slaughtered when they are no longer useful, says Premarin.org. Estradiol is naturally occurring in humans or comes from plants.

References

• Project Aware: About Estrogen
• Premarin: Common Alternate Estrogen Replacement Therapy Products in the U.S.
• Premarin: Horse Aid